It was a lovely Christmas.

Of course, the kids are completely off routine, and they are a little grumpy from all the activity, including a little bug going around but all in all they have done well.

A couple of Aunties stayed with us and they were worn out. I could tell as they left this house that resembles a life inside they were happy to go. And I don’t even blame them. Because I want to go sometimes too. I’d even settle for a timeout. I often say…"please, please just put mommy in a timeout!"

Gage and Quinn had a wonderful time with family and friends and for the most part aren’t too materialistic in their desires for Christmas presents. That’s not to say they haven’t enjoyed their present opening, but they are as happy with paper clips (No, really. Paper clips.) and a pack of stickers as they are with a DVD or GB game. I like that about them.

The first thing they wanted to do was bake cupcakes using a new cookbook and muffin pan that a secret Santa brought to us.

We’re really lucky. Lucky to have these kids and friends and family that shower us with love and gifts. Gifts of their time and energy. We have our home and the kids are pretty content with their little lives. Their lives are full. We have each other, the people who love us, food and shelter, health insurance and dialysis. Life is good.